Abstract

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by many species of fungi, such as Penicillium, Aspergillus, Fusarium and Stachybotrys. Mycotoxicosis can affect humans and animals after ingestion of mouldy mycotoxin-contaminated food or feed. Recent years have seen increasing interest in inhalation exposure to mycotoxins in agricultural environments and in water-damaged buildings with mould problems. Inhalation exposure to mycotoxins can occur by inhalation of airborne mycotoxin-containing particles, such as fungal spores, There is evidence that inhalation exposure to aflatoxins can elevate cancer risk, and inhalation exposure to ochratoxins can cause kidney damage. In buildings with mould problems, trichothecene mycotoxins have been detected In building materials and dust samples. In these cases, residents have suffered from respiratory tract symptoms and irritation of eyes and skin.